At today's San Diego County press briefing, county officials announced that San Diego oceans and bays would be reopened starting Monday, April 27. Facial coverings will also become mandatory for people entering the public starting May 1.
San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher announced this afternoon that starting at sunrise on Monday, April 27, most San Diego oceans and bays will reopen for swimming, surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, although recreational boating will remain forbidden for the time being. People accessing the ocean will be able to cross through the beaches but not loiter on them. Parking lots will remain closed. The City of San Diego also stated running and walking would be permitted on beaches in unincorporated regions with each incorporated city left to make its own decision related to opening beach access. Del Mar and Solana Beach have announced their beaches will remain closed. Local beaches and parks will also be permitted to introduce their own rules in accordance with state social distancing requirements. San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer also said this week that regional lifeguard agencies have worked together with coastal mayors and health officials establish a plan for when beaches were cleared to reopen.
"Beginning Monday, April 27 at sunrise, phase one of the beach reopening process will begin," said an announcement from the City of San Diego. "Phase one means: Beaches - Only running, walking; no stopping, sitting, lying down; Oceans and Bays: Surfing, swimming, kayaking, single person paddling; Closed: Boardwalks, piers, parking lots, Fiesta Island; No: Gatherings, non-physical distancing activities. While this is encouraging news, we must remain vigilant and continue to do all we can to help contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Please maintain social distancing and wear a facial covering when out in public. Thank you in advance for continuing to keep yourself and our community safe during this pandemic."
Fletcher further announced that beginning Friday, May 1, there will be a public health directive in place that will require all persons leaving their homes to wear facial coverings if coming within 6 feet of a non-household member. Both National City and Chula Vista implemented similar requirements earlier this week. Violation of the facial covering order will be punishable as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000.
San Diego County officials also indicated that certain additional restrictions and precautions would be reduced starting next week. The 100th area death related to COVID-19 was also announced at today's briefing. Visit coronavirus-sd.com for more information.
This is a developing story: We will update this post as we learn more.
